LAST week, four pretty powerful people came together for a panel discussion on empowering women – a minister, a C-suite bank executive, the CEO of that same bank, and a law firm founder.

The event was women-centred and focused on improving the lives, work culture and environment of women, as well as encouraging women to return to the workforce.

But I must say I personally gained the most from the stories and principles these individuals shared – the session was moderated by influential lawyer Stefanie Yuen Thio, the joint managing partner of TSMP Law Corporation, who brought up very relatable issues and asked very direct and pointed questions of the panellists – and gleaned lessons that I think both men and women can apply to their lives and careers.